On Saturday June 22, 2019, Webb Institute awarded 21 Bachelor of Science degrees at its 123rd Commencement Ceremony. Each graduating student received a dual degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Webb’s Commencement Ceremony opened with the singing of the National Anthem by the WooFs (Webb Family Singers) and included inspirational remarks from Webb’s President R. Keith Michel, a Webb graduate from the Class of 1973, and keynote speaker, Angela Chao. Ms. Chao is Chairperson and C.E.O. of Foremost Group, an American shipping company with worldwide operations, who received an Honorary Doctorate during the ceremony.
Ms. Chao’s speech touched on the transformative power of education, drawing upon the inspiration of her parents' life stories of perseverance, determination and optimism to inspire Webb's Class of 2019. She exhorted the graduates, "You are our future. Make our industry and our world better."
Additional remarks were made by the Class of 2019’s student speaker, Andrew Pidduck, who spoke about the invaluable friendships, experiences, and education he gained during his time at Webb. “We appreciate the gift of education and the entire Webb experience that we have received.” said Pidduck. “We will carry it with us always and we will share it with others. This is our responsibility. We promise to remember where we came from and represent Webb well.”
In addition to the awarding of degrees, several students received additional awards and prizes for their outstanding academic achievements in a variety of areas, such as excellence in thesis, excellence in mathematics, highest general average, and exemplary commitment of service to others through volunteerism, community service, and civic outreach.
Following commencement, Webb’s Class of 2019 will spread out across the country and the world to begin graduate work or start their professional careers in the marine industry. Notable employers include: BMT Designers and Planners, Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, Newport News Shipbuilding, NSWC Carderock, Shipwright, and Vigor. Graduate schools include: MIT, University of Michigan, and Delft University of Technology.